Central Lakes Locality Networks Expression of Interest

Southern DHB and WellSouth are calling for Expressions of Interest for the Central Lakes Locality Network (LN), giving residents the opportunity to influence the future of health care and health service delivery in the Queenstown, Wanaka and the Central Otago area.

Central Lakes Locality Network (CLLN) is the first of a series of advisory networks being established in the district to help support the implementation of Southern’s Primary and Community Care Strategy and Action Plan, which was launched in February this year. The network will play a vital role in helping prioritise and plan health services so that they meet the needs of local communities and are well-integrated with the broader health system.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help shape health services in your area. Anyone interested in making a genuine contribution to positive change and helping plan the future direction of health services in Central Lakes should consider applying,” says Dr Carol Atmore, Chair of the Alliance South Leadership Team, which is helping to oversee the implementation of the Primary and Community Strategy, including formation of locality networks.

“We welcome applications from all ages and all walks of life: patients and whānau, health professionals, including community-based health providers, people involved in local government and business - anyone who is passionate about improving health services to better meet local needs while also supporting and overall strategic visions of health system change.” 

The creation of Locality Networks was outlined in the Primary and Community Care Strategy and Action Plan, with the purpose of ensuring models of care align with population health needs and service requirements in different areas of the district. LNs will complement and coordinate with the other key features of the Strategy and Action Plan, including Community Health Hubs – community focussed and co-located group of health providers - and the Health Care Home model of primary care which promotes access to urgent and unplanned care, provides more preventative care and better supports people with complex needs.

As the first network of its kind to be established in the Southern district, the learnings and experience of the Central Lakes Locality Network will be used in the creation of other LNs, likely to be based around Dunedin, Invercargill, Southland, Gore, Balclutha and Waitaki.

“This is a big step forward in progressing and tailoring health care services and better aligning models of care with populations needs,” says Lisa Gestro, Southern DHB Executive Director, Strategy Primary and Community Directorate. “We look forward to working with communities and getting started in Central Lakes.”

Applications close on Friday 30 November 2018.

About Locality Networks

Locality Networks will provide communities with forums to influence the creation of healthcare services for their area, while working within an overall district-wide strategic visions and plan. LNs will contribute to the tailoring health plans and services and will support the planning and delivery of services through Community Health Hubs. 

Locality Networks will be made up of individuals and service providers that understand the health needs of an area. Membership will vary from area to area but will likely be comprised of eight to ten members with a good understanding the healthcare needs of its population. Along with patients and consumers, it is possible that LNs might also include key stakeholders from areas such as general practice, St John, allied health professionals such as pharmacy, physiotherapy, diagnostic services, LMC midwives and local council representatives. 

Localities are defined by loose geographic borders and their scope and mandate may vary according to area.